Irish community donates to Kibagabaga hospital

KIGALI - THE Irish community in Rwanda yesterday donated Rwf 2 million to Kibagabaga hospital in a newly established program aimed at improving the health of children living with HIV/Aids.

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Dr Clastian Ntizimira receives the cheque from Kieran Holmes. (Photo: G. Mugoya)

KIGALI - THE Irish community in Rwanda yesterday donated Rwf 2 million to Kibagabaga hospital in a newly established program aimed at improving the health of children living with HIV/Aids.

This will be done through training programs where mothers will be sensitized and educated on the nutritional meals meant for the children.

According to Kieran Holmes, one of the Irish members and RRA Project Manager, DFID Programme Office, the funds of proceeds from St Patrick’s Day celebrations that took place in March at Serena Hotel.

The Irish communities all over the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day by wearing shamrocks, the national emblem of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

"Our donation aims at helping children living with HIV/Aids through training programs which will enable them have proper nutrition,” Holmes said.

Dr Clastian Ntizimira, the Medical Director at Kibagabaga hospital who received the donation, appreciated the Irish community`s support which he said will benefit over 180 children undergoing treatment at the hospital.

"We have introduced the first ever paediatric palliative care centre aimed at improving the lives of children living with HIV/ Aids,” Ntizimira said.

"We want to carry out nutritional rehabilitation to teach mothers to prepare the food required by children with HIV”.

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